JP2000299831A - Image processing apparatus and method, computer readable memory - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image processor provided with a management function for photographic image data utilizing a DPOF(Digital Print Order Format) file described in a DPOF metafile by grouping a plurality of function files executing a function for image data and performing batch processing of the plurality of grouped function files. SOLUTION: The link relation and processing contents of the plurality of DPOF files are described in a meta-level DPOF metafile. A function batch execution instructing means 2 instructs the execution of batch processing of contents described in the metafile. A function batch executing means 3 receives an instruction of the means 2 and executes a function in a batch. A DPOF metafile analyzing means 4 reads the metafile 1 to be a processing object in performing batch processing and analyzes described contents. A function executing means 11 executes processing specified by a file specifying means 9.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method capable of editing digital images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electronic device capable of editing a digital image, an electronic device having a writer function for the purpose of creating a Digital Print Order Format (hereinafter referred to as a DPOF (registered trademark pending)) file. There are electronic devices such as a digital camera and the like or an electronic device (such as a printer) having a Reader function for analyzing and printing a created DPOF file.

[0003] The DPOF file is a file format standardized for the purpose of storing automatic print information together with an electrophotographic image file in RemovalMedia and using it at the time of printing. The DPOF file includes a specific format in Removal Media. The information for printing the electrophotographic image is described. According to the description of the DPOF standard, only one DPOF file can be stored in the Removal Media.

[0004]

However, the DPO
The F rules have been extended to allow DPOF for purposes other than automatic printing
When a situation changes such as utilizing a file or a plurality of DPOF files, the current electronic device imposes a limited operability that lacks flexibility due to the following points. there is a possibility.

[0005] According to the current specifications of electronic equipment, one DPO is installed in the removable media for automatic printing.
Since the design is based on the current DPOF rule that only F files can be stored, a plurality of DPOF files including DPOF files used for purposes other than automatic printing can be stored.
There is no operation for handling a DPOF file when an F file exists.

[0006] Based on these points, in the present invention,
The DPOF rules are extended, and a plurality of DPOF files are assumed, including a DPOF file used for purposes other than automatic printing.
Using a meta-level DPOF metafile that manages files, the DOF described in the DPOF metafile
An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus having a management function of photographic image data utilizing a POF file.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a grouping means for grouping a plurality of function files for executing a function on image data, and a grouping by the grouping means. And a processing unit for processing the plurality of function files collectively.

Further, the present invention has an analyzing means for analyzing a metafile composed of a plurality of function files, and a processing means for processing the plurality of function files collectively based on the analysis result of the analyzing means. An image processing apparatus is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a grouping step of grouping a plurality of function files for executing functions on image data, and a plurality of function files grouped in the grouping step are collectively processed. And an image processing method comprising the steps of:

Further, the present invention has an analyzing step of analyzing a metafile composed of a plurality of function files, and a processing step of collectively processing the plurality of function files based on the analysis result of the analyzing step. An image processing method is provided.

Further, the present invention collects a program code of a grouping step for grouping a plurality of function files for executing a function on image data, and a plurality of function files grouped by the grouping step. Computer readable memory having a program code of a processing step of performing the processing.

Further, the present invention provides a program code for an analysis step for analyzing a metafile composed of a plurality of function files, and a processing step for collectively processing a plurality of function files based on an analysis result of the analysis step. And a computer readable memory having the following program code.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an electrophotographic image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a meta-level DPOF metafile in which a link relationship between a plurality of DPOF files and processing contents are described. Reference numeral 2 denotes a function batch execution instructing unit that instructs that the process is to be performed collectively according to the content described in the DPOF metafile. Reference numeral 3 denotes a function batch execution unit that receives a command from the function batch execution instruction unit 2 and executes functions collectively. Reference numeral 4 denotes a DPOF metafile analysis unit that reads a DPOF metafile to be processed when performing batch execution and analyzes the description contents. 5 is
This is a DPOF file to be subjected to a function execution process. 6
Is a DPO that issues an instruction to display a list of DPOF files.
F file list display instruction means. 7 is a DPOF for executing a list display in response to an instruction from the list display instruction means.
File list display means. 8 is a list of D
It is a selection instructing means for selecting and instructing an arbitrary DPOF file from the POF file. Reference numeral 9 denotes a file specifying unit that specifies the DPOF file selected by the selection instruction unit 8.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a function executing unit for executing a process on the DPOF file specified by the file specifying unit 9. Reference numeral 10 denotes a function execution instructing unit that issues a function execution instruction.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a detailed information display means for displaying the content described in the specified DPOF file as detailed information. Reference numeral 12 denotes a detailed information display instructing unit for instructing detailed information display. Reference numeral 15 denotes an image information display unit that displays image information in the detailed information. An image information display instructing unit 14 instructs display of image information. 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes an image information file to be displayed.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a DPOF metafile management executing means for generating / copying / moving / deleting / editing a DPOF metafile. Reference numeral 17 denotes a DPOF metafile management execution instructing unit that instructs execution of DPOF metafile management.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a DPOF file generation / copy /
This is a DPOF file management execution unit for moving / deleting / editing. Reference numeral 19 denotes D for instructing execution of DPOF file management.
POF file management execution instruction means.

Reference numeral 22 denotes an image information file management executing means for generating / copying / moving / deleting / editing the image information file. Reference numeral 21 denotes an image information file management execution instructing unit that instructs execution of image information file management.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the electrophotographic image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In the CPU 201, various programs described in the ROM 202 are executed.
03, and a process of referring to the data is performed. R
The OM 202 describes a program for executing various processes, including a main program for controlling the electrophotographic image processing apparatus. The ROM 202 also describes programs related to file identification processing, file reading processing, and processing of executed functions.

Various information such as display instruction information and specific information input by the panel unit and display data to be displayed on the panel based on the display instruction are stored in the RAM 203, and are referred to as necessary. In addition, it is also used as a buffer and a work memory required when executing the designated processing.

The panel unit 204 has a display device for displaying a specified file name and a set value of a parameter, and displays information necessary for specifying a file. Further, it has a key for giving a display instruction and a specific instruction and a key for giving an instruction to execute a function of the specified file.
The panel unit 204 performs an important bridge between a man-machine interface between the operator and the electrophotographic image processing apparatus of the present invention, and plays an important role in the present invention.

The card reading unit 205 performs a process of reading the set removable media card, and performs a process of writing the read contents to the RAM 203. Reading when a file to be processed is present in the RemovalMedia card and reading of an electrophotographic image on the RemovalMedia card are also performed through the card reading unit. Storage
The driver 206 stores the data expanded in the RAM 203
Transfers files to the storage unit and expands files on the storage unit onto the RAM 203.
Data is exchanged according to the protocol of the e-unit. The storage unit 207 performs a process of reading and writing data from and to the storage via the storage driver.

An example of a program for realizing the present invention will be described in detail with reference to flowcharts after FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for processing a DPOF file in the electrophotographic image processing apparatus of the present invention.

First, when the power is turned on, step S10
In the initial processing of 0, processing necessary for starting the system is executed. Here, the execution function information is set so that all of the basic functions of the system can be executed, and the display mode is set to a basic function mode in which the basic functions can be executed.

When the initial processing is completed in step S100, in the panel display processing in step S200,
Processing for displaying the contents set in the initial processing on the panel is performed, and when a key on the panel is pressed, a key corresponding to the display mode is output.

When the display mode is the basic function mode, DP
OF metafile specifying key, DPOF metafile management function execution key (generation key / copy key / move key / delete key / edit key), DPOF file list display key, DP
An OF metafile batch execution key and keys required for other processes are input.

When the display mode is the DPOF file list display mode, a DPOF file specifying key, a DPOF file management function execution key, a detailed information display key, an individual DPOF file
Various DPOF file designation function execution keys for the F file, a DPOF file list display release key, and keys required for other processes are input.

When the display mode is the detailed information display mode,
Image information file identification key, image information file management function execution key, image information display key, detailed information display release key,
And keys required for other processing are input. When the display mode is the image information display mode, an image information display release key is input.

When the panel display processing is completed, step S
The state becomes a key wait state of 300, and a key input state from the panel is waited. When a DPOF file list display key / list display release key, a detailed information display key / detailed information display release key, an image information display key / image information display release key are input from the panel, the mode-based display information generation in step S400 is released. Proceeding to the process, the display data is switched according to the input key.

The display generation canceling process for each mode will be described with reference to FIG. First, in the key discriminating process in step S410, a key related to a display request and a key related to display cancellation are sorted, and the process related to the display request proceeds to the mode-specific display information generating process in step S420 to generate the display data according to the display request. Is performed. In the case of display cancellation, the process proceeds to the mode-specific display information cancellation process in step S430, and the display data cancellation process according to the cancellation request is performed.

In the display information generation process for each mode in step S420, first, according to the key discrimination in step S421, distribution to the display process according to the key is performed.
In the case of the DPOF file list display key, step S
The process proceeds to a DPOF file list display information generation process at 422, where display information such as a link relation and a group relation can be displayed in a list with respect to the DPOF file described in the specified DPOF metafile. Generation, and based on the display information, step S
In the DPOF file list display data generation processing in 423, display data is generated, and in step S424, processing for changing the display mode to the DPOF file list display mode is performed. Then, the result is reflected on the panel by the panel display processing after the mode-specific display information generation release processing ends.

In the same processing flow, when the detailed information display key is input, the process proceeds to the detailed information generating process of step S425, and the content described in the specified DPOF file is generated as the detailed information. Processing is performed,
Display data is generated by the detailed information display data generation processing of step S426, and processing of changing the display mode to the detailed information display mode is performed in step S427.
If the image information display key has been input, step S4
Proceeding to the image information generating process of 28, image information including display of image data of the specified image information file is generated, and display data is generated by the image information display data generating process of step S429. Step S42
In a, processing for changing the display mode to the image information display mode is performed.

In the display information canceling process for each mode, first, according to the key discrimination in step S431, the process is sorted to the display process according to the key. In the case of the DPOF file list display release key, the DPO
The process proceeds to the F-file list display data canceling process, where the display in the list display mode is canceled, and the display content is changed to the display state of the basic function mode. In step S433, the display mode is changed to the basic function mode. Is performed.
Then, the result is reflected on the panel by the panel display processing after the mode-specific display information generation release processing ends.

In the same processing flow, when the detailed information display cancel key is input, the process proceeds to the detailed information display data canceling process of step S434, the detailed information display is canceled, and the display state is displayed in the list display mode. A process for changing the content is performed, and a process for changing the display mode to the DPOF file list display mode is performed in step S435. If the image information display release key has been input, the process proceeds to step S436.
Proceeds to the image information display data canceling process, the image information display is canceled, and the process of changing the display content to the display state of the detailed display mode is performed. In step S437, the process of changing the display mode to the detailed display mode is performed. .

When a DPOF metafile specifying key, a DPOF file specifying key, and an image information file specifying key are input from the panel, the flow advances to a file specifying process in step S500 to perform a file specifying process.

In the file specifying process, first, the key is determined in step S510. If the key is the DPOF metafile specifying key, the DPOF in step S520 is performed.
The DPOF metafile to be processed is specified by the metafile specifying process. In the case of the DPOF file specifying key, the DPOF file to be processed is specified by the DPOF file specifying process of step S530, and the image information file is specified. In the case of the specific key, the image information file to be processed is specified by the image information file specifying process in step S540.

When a management function execution key (generation key, copy key, move key, delete key, edit key) for various files (DPOF metafile, DPOF file, image information file) is input from the panel, the process proceeds to step S600. Proceeding to a management function execution process, the file management function is executed according to the input key.

In the management function execution processing, first, the management function to be executed is sorted by the key discrimination in step S610, and if a key related to the generation function is input, the process proceeds to the file generation processing in step S620. Is performed, and when a key related to the copy function is input, the process proceeds to a file copy process in step S630, where a file copy process is performed according to the key, and a key related to the transfer function is input. If the key has been input, the process proceeds to a file transfer process in step S640, and a file transfer process according to the key is performed. If a key related to the delete function is input, the process proceeds to a file delete process in step S650. The corresponding file is deleted, and if a key related to the editing function is input, the process proceeds to step S600. Proceed to Airu editing process, perform the editing process of the file in accordance with a key.

For example, in the file generation process,
First, key discrimination in step S621 is performed, and DPOF is performed.
If the key is a metafile generation key, the process proceeds to a DPOF metafile generation process in step S622, where a DPOF metafile generation process is performed with the set contents. Specifically, this is performed by grouping or linking a plurality of arbitrarily selected DPOF files. DPOF
If the key is a file generation key, DP in step S623
Proceeding to the OF file generation process, the process of generating the set DPOF file is performed.

The process of creating a DPOF file will be described below.

First, an arbitrary image data is selected and instructed by the file selection instructing means 2. Next, a file for identifying a function to be executed on the selected image data is named. Specifically, a name that can identify a function to execute “AUTOPRINT.MRK” for automatic printing, “AUTOCOPY.MRK” for automatic copying, “AUTOSEND.MRK” for automatic transmission, and the like. Do.

When a plurality of functions are assigned to one file, for example, in a combination of automatic printing and automatic copying, the file name is changed to “PRINT & COPY.
MRK ", the combination of automatic copy and automatic transmission is" C
OPY & SEND. MRK ". It goes without saying that other combinations are also conceivable.

Next, a file generation process is performed. The file generation processing is the same as the normal DPOF file generation processing, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

If the key is the image information file generation key, the flow advances to the image information file generation processing in step S624, and the image information file generation processing is performed with the set contents.

Regarding other management functions, processing for executing various management functions of the specified file is performed in the same processing flow.

When the DPOF metafile batch execution key and the DPOF file designation function execution key are input from the panel, the flow advances to step S700 for function execution.
Executes the specified function. In the function execution process, first, in the key determination in step S710, D
The POPF metafile batch execution key and the DPOF file execution key are sorted. In the case of the DPOF metafile batch execution key, in the DPOF metafile batch execution process of step S720, the specified DPOF
Based on the contents described in the metafile, a process of executing functions collectively is performed. In the case of various DPOF file designation function execution keys, D in step S730
In the POF file execution process, the specified DPOF
Processing for executing the specified function is performed on the file.

In the DPOF metafile batch execution process, a process of reading and analyzing the specified DPOF file and executing the functions described collectively based on the link relationship and the group relationship is performed. DPO
In the F-file execution process, a process of reading and analyzing the specified DPOF file and executing a specified function based on the described contents is performed.

When a key necessary for other processing is input from the panel, a processing corresponding to the input key is executed in other necessary processing in step S800.

If the power OFF key is input, the system is terminated in step S900, and the system is terminated.

According to the electrophotographic image processing apparatus of the present invention having the above configuration, a plurality of DPOF files can be grouped and described in one DPOF metafile, so that the DPOF file created for each individual purpose can be described. Are grouped and described in the DPOF metafile, so that the processing can be executed collectively.

Also, by describing at the same time the functions to be executed and the parameters at the time of execution in the DPOF file described in the DPOF metafile, only the batch execution of the DPOF metafile is instructed, and the description is sequentially performed. Function can be executed by the described parameters.

For example, in the DPOF metafile, [Group] [Function Print] [DPOF_File AUTOPRINT1.MRK] [Prameter ...] [Group] [Function Copy] [DPOF_File AUTOPRINT2.MRK] [Prameter ...] [ Group] [Function Send] [DPOF_File AUTOPRINT3.MRK] [Prameter…] If you would like to describe the contents, "AUTOPRINT1.MRK"
Execute the automatic print function for the DPOF file of "AUTOPRINT2.MRK" and execute the automatic copy function for the DPOF file of "AUTOPRINT2.MRK".
It is possible to execute an automatic transmission function for a file.

Also, the DPOF in the DPOF metafile
The files can be displayed in a list together with the execution function information, and an arbitrary function can be executed for the arbitrarily specified DPOF file.

Further, for an arbitrary specified DPOF file, information described in the DPOF file can also be displayed as detailed information.

For any image information file specified in the detailed information, the image display of the image and information on the image file can be displayed as image information.

In addition, management functions such as generation / copy / move / delete / edit can be executed for the DPOF metafile.

Further, with respect to the DPOF file, generation /
Management functions such as copy / move / delete / edit can be performed.

In addition, management functions such as generation / copy / move / delete / edit can be performed on an image file.

As described above, the intention of the operator can be easily reflected, the labor of the operator can be saved, and the operation is flexible.
An electrophotographic image processing apparatus having an excellent interface with an operator can be provided.

In the above embodiment, the program is
Although the case of holding in the OM has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be realized by using an arbitrary storage medium. Further, it may be realized by a circuit that performs the same operation.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. A recording medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus executes the program code stored in the recording medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by executing the reading. in this case,
The program code itself read from the recording medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium on which the program code is recorded constitutes the present invention.

As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, C
D-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS and the like running on the computer are actually executed based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the above-described processing is performed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the recording medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0069]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus capable of processing a plurality of function files at once.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an electrophotographic image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electrophotographic image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a DPO in the electrophotographic image processing apparatus of the present invention.
It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of an F file.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a display information generation canceling procedure for each mode.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a display information generation processing procedure for each mode.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a display information generation release processing procedure for each mode.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a file identification processing procedure.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a management function execution processing procedure.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a file generation execution processing procedure;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a function execution processing procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 201 CPU 202 ROM 203 RAM 204 Panel unit 205 Card reading unit 206 Storage driver 207 Storage unit

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: selecting means for selecting a plurality of function files for executing a function on the image data; and grouping means for grouping the plurality of function files selected by the selecting means. Image processing apparatus. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit configured to store information of a plurality of function files grouped by the grouping unit as a metafile. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the grouping unit defines a group relationship and a link relationship of a plurality of function files. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an analysis unit that reads and analyzes the metafile. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying an analysis result of said analysis means. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an instruction unit for designating an arbitrary function file from among the analysis results displayed on the display unit. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: display control means for controlling to display detailed information of the function file designated by said designation means. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit is capable of executing at least one of generation, copying, movement, deletion, and editing of the function file at a time. . 9. An analysis means for analyzing a metafile composed of a plurality of function files, and a processing means for collectively processing a plurality of function files based on an analysis result of the analysis means. Image processing device. 10. A grouping step of grouping a plurality of function files for executing a function on image data,
A processing step of processing a plurality of function files grouped in the grouping step at once. 11. A storage step for storing information of a plurality of function files grouped in the grouping step as a metafile.
0. The image processing method according to 0. 12. The image processing method according to claim 11, wherein the grouping step defines a group relationship and a link relationship of a plurality of function files. 13. The image processing method according to claim 10, further comprising an analysis step of reading and analyzing the metafile. 14. The image processing method according to claim 10, further comprising a display step of displaying an analysis result of the analysis step. 15. The image processing method according to claim 14, further comprising an instruction step of designating an arbitrary function file from among the analysis results displayed in the display step. 16. The image processing method according to claim 15, further comprising: a display control step of controlling to display detailed information of the function file designated by the designation step. 17. The image processing method according to claim 10, wherein in the processing step, at least one of generation, copying, movement, deletion, and editing of the function file can be executed. . 18. A method comprising: an analyzing step of analyzing a metafile composed of a plurality of function files; and a processing step of collectively processing a plurality of function files based on an analysis result of the analyzing step. Image processing method. 19. A program code for a grouping step for grouping a plurality of function files for executing a function on image data, and a process for collectively processing a plurality of function files grouped in the grouping step Computer readable memory comprising program code for a process. 20. A program code for an analysis step of analyzing a metafile composed of a plurality of function files,
A program code for a processing step of processing a plurality of function files collectively based on an analysis result of the analysis step.